Colonial League football capsules

September 12, 2013|Tom Housenick

Catasauqua at Palisades

• When: 7 tonight

• In the spotlight: Palisades' defense, which may be its offense. Catty has the league's best offense with 828 yards and 102 points in two games. The Pirates have run 106 plays, 92 on the ground. If they can keep the chains moving, they can limit the number of chances the Rough Riders have to score.

• By the numbers: Catasauqua has won the last four meetings, including a combined 117-28 score in the past three. Before that, Palisades won five in a row, two by shutout.

Palmerton at Salisbury

When: 7 tonight

In the spotlight: Defense and special teams. Palmerton leads the league in fewest points allowed (32). The Blue Bombers returned an INT and a punt for scores in last week's win over Wilson. The Falcons turned two blocked punts and a kick return into TDs in a Week 1 win over Bangor.

By the numbers: Salisbury won last year's meeting 13-7, but Palmerton has taken five of the last seven meetings. … Salisbury is 11th in scoring defense (70) and 10th in total yards allowed (627).

Southern Lehigh at Bangor

When: 7 tonight

In the spotlight: Defense. The Slaters are second in the league in fewest yards allowed and have the league's top running game. The Spartans gave up 546 yards last Friday at Catasauqua. If Southern Lehigh can slow down Phil Vass, it has a good shot at victory considering Bangor is last in passing yards (53).

By the numbers: Bangor has won the last two meetings, including 41-14 in 2012. Prior to that, Southern Lehigh won six in a row. … The Spartans lead the league in passing offense, are second in total offense and scoring offense, and tied for second in turnover ratio.

Northern Lehigh at Saucon Valley

When: 7 tonight

In the spotlight: Two inconsistent offenses. Both are in the bottom three in rushing yards and scoring offense, plus in the bottom four in total offense. Whichever offense can limit mistakes and find ways to finish drives likely will win.

By the numbers: Northern Lehigh is last in the league in turnover ratio (minus-6). … Northern Lehigh has won the last four meetings, including 18-16 last season.

Wilson at Northwestern

When: 7 tonight

In the spotlight: Turnovers. The Warriors don't have a touchdown pass this season but have thrown four interceptions and are a minus-2 in turnover ratio. The Tigers have generated five turnovers, but given five away, including a pick-six in a Week 1 loss to Palisades.

By the numbers: Northwestern is seventh in the league in total offense. Wilson is eighth. … Northwestern won the previous two meetings, including 27-20 in a wild finish to last season's game.

Notre Dame-GP at Pen Argyl

When: 1:30 p.m. Saturday

In the spotlight: Notre Dame's defense. It is first in the league in fewest yards allowed (370) and tied for second in fewest points allowed (35). The Crusaders also are tied for second in turnover margin (plus-3). All good numbers. They've struggled early in recent meetings with the Green Knights. A strong start could go a long way.

By the numbers: Notre Dame hasn't started a season 3-0 since 1989. … The Crusaders haven't beaten the Green Knights since 2003, the year they finished the regular season 9-1. … Pen Argyl hasn't started a season 1-2 since an 0-3 start to the 2008 campaign.